The Pella City Council wrapped up two days of strategic planning sessions with another lengthy meeting Wednesday. The purpose of the meetings was to give the new Pella City Council a chance to prioritize key initiatives and projects to accomplish, while also reflecting on strengths of the current city operation and challenges to overcome.

Among the topics for the extensive discussion and exercise included housing, a review of needs from city departments, zoning priorities, infrastructure projects, public safety and first responder concerns, quality of life initiatives, and ultimately, how best to move forward into the two-year term ahead with the resources available.

The strategic planning sessions ultimately lead the Pella City Council into budget sessions this month — which will include introducing a spending plan for fiscal year 2025 and capital improvement projects for the next five years.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the council identified maintenance of current facilities, coming to a decision on how to move forward construction of an indoor rec facility proposal, finding solutions to the update or replacement of the current Pella Soccer Complex, and advancing renovations to the Pella Community Center as high priorities for the next two years. Pella Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan also mentioned a dog park proposal will come before the Pella City Council soon, and that there will also be more options discussed for the expansion of pickleball courts.